CIVIC RECEPTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 15

CIVIC RECEPTION

TWO THOUSAND ATTEND TRIBUTE TO SPORTSMEN MR. MEREDITH'S GOOD WORK Testimony to the popularity enjoyed by the All Blacks was the cheering and applause that broke out when members of the team walked up the aisle of the Town Hall yesterday prior to the civic reception accorded them by the Mayor. Mr. Ernest Davis. Further applause punctuated subsequent speeches while the manager, Mr. V. R. Meredith. and players were again roundly cheered at tiie conclusion. It had been intended ,to hold the gathering in the concert chamber, but the attendance of about 2000 was so large that the Town Hall had to bo used. The Mayor, Mr. Meredith and members of the team were accommodated on the stage, where also there were Major A. F. Purvis, representing the Governor-General; Mr. F. T. Glasgow, representing the New Zealand Rugby Dnion; Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P.. Parliamentary Under-Scretary to the Prime Minister: Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hutchison; Sir Henry Scott, of Fiji; members of the Consular Corps; members of Parliament and city councillors. Mr. Davis read a number of apologies for absence, including one from Mr. Savage. The people, said the Mayor, were proud of the success of the team and were grateful for the honours it had brought to the Dominion. "We learned how on and off the field you played the game for its own sake," he continued. "The team had made fresh Rugby history and, at the same time, had maintained the highest traditions of former combinations." Government Support Mr. Lee said that Mr Savage had asked him to convey to Mr. Meredith and to the team his congratulations on their unblemished record of sportsmanship. tn spite of her fine produce, the men and women New Zealand sent abroad were her .best advertisement. Mr. Lee added that the Government would do all possible to conserve the interests of the sporting community, And would give whatever assistance was possible. *1: Mr. Glasgow said the reception was reminiscent of that accorded the 1905 All Blacks at Auckland. One thing that was outstanding in the record of the team was its greatness in defeat. Loud applause greeted Mr. Meredith as he rose to speak. After acknowledging the good wishes extended he said that the team had endeavoured to play good, clean, sporting football. They had met some fine players and had found them great opponents; and they had made many friends. Proud of the Players

"Every member of this team gavo absolutely of his best and I thank them for it," Mr. Meredith said. "When the tide of fortune was against them they were big enough to accept, the situation in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off the field. They were always good players, good sportsmen, and gentlemen, a body of men one has every reason to be proud of.'' Mr. Meredith expressed appreciation of the services of J. E. Manchester and C. J. Oliver, captain and vice-captain respectively, who, he said, had given him a tremendous amount of help and had been untiring in their efforts to make the tour a success. , He also thanked the team for their unswerving loyalty. Although they had seen many wonderful sights and had met great people all were glad to be home again. Mr. Oliver expressed the team's appreciation of Mr. Meredith as manager. "Mr. Meredith has been a wonderful manager," he said, "and a father to us all."

At the conclusion cheers were given for Mr. Meredith and for the team. The* National Anthem was sung, Mr. Edward S. Craston being at the organ.